Vehicle Parking Route Creation Using Camera and Ultrasonic Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking assistance systems, whether based on ultrasonic sensors or cameras, face limitations in recognizing parking spaces and guiding vehicles properly, especially when there are no obstacles nearby or when obstacles are not adequately considered in the environment.
Innovation Solution
A parking assistance apparatus that combines image data from cameras with sensor information to detect parking lines and obstacles, creating an optimal parking route by integrating the positions of these elements to guide the vehicle to a proper parking position, ensuring adequate spacing for the driver to enter and exit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a parking assistance apparatus based on ultrasonic sensor is used, then obstacles can be recognized, but the recognition rate deteriorates when there is no obstacle within predetermined distance and it is greatly affected by arrangement state of obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultrasonic sensor data with image processing data from cameras to create a hybrid detection system. The ultrasonic sensor detects obstacles within predetermined distance, while the camera captures images of parking spaces and surrounding environment. The system merges these different detection methods to achieve reliable parking space recognition across various environments, solving the limitation where ultrasonic sensors alone fail when no obstacles are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs multiple functions using the same hardware components. The camera serves both to capture images for parking space detection and to provide visual feedback to the driver. The ultrasonic sensor not only detects obstacles but also provides distance information for route calculation. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without adding separate dedicated systems for each function.
2Measurement precision
If a parking assistance apparatus based on image captured by camera is used, then parking space can be detected, but it has limitation when coping with various situations or environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges image processing results with ultrasonic sensor measurements to create a more robust detection system. The camera provides visual information about parking space markings and geometry, while the ultrasonic sensor validates obstacle presence and distance. This combination allows the system to accurately detect parking spaces while adapting to various situations including different lighting conditions, parking space markings, and obstacle configurations.
3Measurement precision
If only image data is used for parking guidance, then parking space can be identified, but adequate spacing for driver entry and exit cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines image processing data that identifies parking space boundaries with ultrasonic sensor data that measures actual obstacle distances. This merged information allows the route creation unit to calculate parking routes that satisfy both the geometric requirements for proper parking space identification and the safety requirements for adequate driver entry and exit spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The route creation unit acts as an intermediary that processes both image data and sensor data, then generates a parking route that balances parking space identification accuracy with driver convenience. It uses the image data to identify the parking space location and uses sensor data to ensure adequate spacing, creating an optimized route that satisfies both requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy and flexibility of parking guidance, overcoming the limitations of previous systems by providing correct parking route information and ensuring proper positioning even in complex scenarios, such as when obstacles are not present or are not adequately spaced.
Implementation Method 1
a parking line detecting unit which detects a left parking line and a right parking line of a parking space based on an image
Implementation Method 2
an obstacle sensing unit which detects an obstacle existing within a predetermined distance based on a sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a parking assistance apparatus and a parking assistance method for a vehicle. The parking assistance apparatus for a vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: a parking line detecting unit which detects a left parking line and a right parking line of a parking space based on an image; an obstacle sensing unit which detects an obstacle existing within a predetermined distance based on a sensor; and a route creating unit which combines information about positions of the left parking line, the right parking line, and the obstacle, and creates a parking route.